Disney Announces Florida Resident Holiday Discount Offer

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August 31, 2016

Christmas has come early for those residents of the Sunshine State hoping to squeeze in a holiday visit to Walt Disney World this 2016. Starting today (August 31st) and running until December 23rd, valid Florida residents can book under Disney’s Florida Resident Holiday Room Offer and receive some major Yuletide savings.

The discount is only available for stays during select dates. These are as follows:

November 6th -10th
November 13th – 22nd
November 26th – December 23rd

The offer includes the majority of Walt Disney World resorts with the following exclusions:

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Valid Florida I.D is required at check-in to validate this offer. The savings are based on non-discounted rates. Disney reserves the right to limit the amount of rooms booked under the offer and length of stay requirements may apply. The availability of this discount is limited so early booking is strongly encouraged. Visit disneyworld.com or contact your travel agent for further details.

If you’re a Florida resident and considering a holiday stay at Disney World, fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Find articles like this helpful? They why not consider booking with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help your holiday plans come to life. I’ll book those tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, help you nab those dining reservations and am full of suggestions to make your holiday visit truly festive. Best of all my services are FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

A Look at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2016 Guide Map

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the season will be held September 2, 2016 at Magic Kingdom from 7:00pm until midnight. If you’re lucky enough to be attending one of the 29 party nights this season then be sure to grab a guide map upon entering the park. It lists the entertainment schedule for the evening along with trick or treat locations and where to find exclusive merchandise and specialty food. A sneak peak of the 2016 map is below to help get the party started. Keep in mind the map is still subject to change.

Click here for a PDF copy: MNSSHP Map 2016

2016 Party Nights

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Treat or Treat Locations

Trick or treating will be available during the event so be sure to grab a bag upon entering the park. A teal colored trick or treat bag will be available upon request for guests with food allergies. Cast Members will hand out a teal token at each treat station, which can be redeemed for a special treat at one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Town Square Theater – Allergy-Friendly Center

Adventure Land

Jungle Cruise
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland

Dock to Tom Sawyer Island
Splash Mountain

Liberty Square

Heritage House – Allergy-Friendly Center
Liberty Square Riverboat

Fantasyland

Pinnocchio Village Haus
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pete’s Silly Slideshow

Tomorrowland

Stitch’s Great Escape!
Walt Disney Carousel of Progress
Space Mountain
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Entertainment

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – The Sanderson Sisters will return to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for their second year. The live show takes place on the Castle Forecourt Stage three times during party nights at 9:15pm, 10:40pm and 12:00am.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade – The parade with your favorite Disney Characters and spooky fun begins in Frontierland at 8:30pm & 11:15pm.

Celebrate the Magic – Watch as Cinderella’s Castle transforms into a spectacular canvas of color and awe-inspiring magic at 10:00pm.

Happy Hallowishes – Enjoy a special Halloween fireworks display at 10:15pm.

Special Disney Character Appearances – Characters will be available to meet Guests intermittently throughout the event. Check the map for character locations.

Specialty Food

Enjoy spook-tacular offerings created specially for the Halloween season.

Creepy Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Spider Cupcake and Worm & Dirt – Main Street Bakery
Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake – Gaston’s Tavern

Merchandise

Exclusive Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise will be available at the following locations while supplies last:

Emporium

Event T-shirts
MagicBands

Mickey’s Star Traders

Event T–shirts

Box Office Gifts

MagicBands

Big Tip Souvenirs

Event T-shirts
Trading Pins

Dining

Food, snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase at the following Quick Service locations:

Main Street Bakery
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Casey’s Corner
Aloha Isle
Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe
Westward Ho
Sleepy Hollow
Liberty Square Market
Columbia Harbour House
Pinocchio Village Haus
The Friar’s Nook
Storybook Treats
Gaston’s Tavern
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Cool Ship
The Lunching Pad
Snack Carts will be open throughout the park

The follow table service restaurants will be open during the event:

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Be Our Guest Restaurant
The Crystal Palace (although not listed on the map)

Check out our recent article on updated costume guidelines before heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in costume.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation and experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: http://wdwnews.com and Disney Parks Blog

New passes Soon to be Offered at Universal Studios Orlando

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

If you were surfing the blogs on Monday morning you may have noticed Universal Studios had a blog about some changes coming. These changes were about their passes and the new system being used.

If you weren’t fast however, you missed it because it was quickly taken down. The only explanation was an email sent out by Universal spokesman Tom Scroder that they may have gotten a little ahead of themselves. Well here is the deal. Universal will be making changes similar to the changes made with Walt Disney World’s passes. Disney however had some pretty large price increases and Universal has not yet spoke of prices.

This is what we know, there will be levels of passes which is one more then they currently offer. Two of the passes would have blackout dates. One, which will be a seasonal pass, will include more than what is now offered by the “power” pass.

Currently the Power Pass has blackout dates during summer, Christmas and spring break and includes no parking passes, the new pass will lift the summer blackout dates and offer parking discounts.

Another change taking place will allow those customers buying the more expensive tickets early admittance to the theme parks.

We will be looking forward to more information on the new passes being offered as well as some prices.

New Entertainment and Dining this Fall at Aulani

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2016

If you are planning on visiting Disney’s Auani resort this Fall, you’re in for a treat! Disney has announced that starting in November, KA WA‘A, a luau at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests. Luau guests can feast on a sumptuous, local island buffet, and enjoy lively music and traditional Hawaiian dance, including hula kahiko and modern hula ‘auana. Before the luau, you will have the opportunity to enjoy special pre-show entertainment, family activities, traditional crafts and more.

Also in November, Moana, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Moana,” will arrive at Aulani Resort to meet with guests and recount tales of adventure. The animated feature film is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Both new experiences are inspired by Hawaii’s deep cultural roots in canoe exploration—a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful ‘Ewa Loa plains surrounding Aulani Resort. They have also debuted a one-sixth model of the Polynesian voyaging canoe—the Hokule‘a—in the Maka‘ala Lobby.

When will you get a chance to visit this beautiful paradise?

Did you know you can now book 2017 packages at Disneyland and Walt Disney World? Contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Fight Disney Withdrawals – Take Home these Sweet Disney Autumn Treats

By

Lisette R

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August 30, 2016

Have you ever arrived home from a Disney vacation and truly just found yourself missing the sights, sounds and smells of the Disney Parks? One way to assist with Disney Parks withdrawals is to purchase some Sweet Disney Autumn Treats to enjoy at home.

Here is my tips for successfully achieving some level of acceptance that while the vacation is over, the Disney fun is not!

1.Set your Sweet Disney Treats on a Disney-themed plate. Nothing says Disney in your own home more than Disney-themed items in the kitchen. You may want to have plates for each season to keep things festive. Don’t forget the Mickey Waffle Maker!

2. Add some pumpkin spice coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate or beverage of your personal choice to your favorite Disney mug. In keeping with the theme consider having a mug to go along with the theme of the season; in this case Autumn.

3. Pop your favorite Disney Vacation Planning DVD, or your favorite Disney movie, into your VHS/DVD player. If you are into theming, like I am, then you can choose a movie that reminds you of a particular season. For myself, I enjoy Pocahontas and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Friendship Edition during the Autumn season.

4. Maybe you are thinking, “Number three is not for me,” because you prefer Disney music to Disney movies. If that is the case, then place one of your Disney Soundtrack Records on the record player and let your worries subside.

5. Get your favorite pair of Disney comfy slippers. Put them on your feet. Now relax and enjoy!

Nothing spells success for Disney withdrawals more than enjoying sweet Disney Autumn Treats, with a fun beverage, while relaxing to Disney movies, or Disney music, and wearing your Disney slippers. So the next time you visit Walt Disney World, be sure to stock up on some sweet treats representative of the season. They are the key ingredient that you will need to create your own Recipe for Success.

What is your recipe for successfully overcoming Disney vacation withdrawals?

Please leave your comments in the box below.

Disney Shows Coming And Going On Netflix In September

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2016

Mark your calendars, Netflix has released the list of shows and films coming and leaving their service in September. Here’s a list of all the Disney shows you may want to catch before they leave, and get excited about arriving!

Everything leaving in September:
Melissa & Joey: Seasons 1-4 (September 4)
Shanghai Knights (September 4)
The Emperor’s New Groove (September 9)
Lilo & Stitch (September 9)

Everything coming in September:
The Finest Hours (September 6)
Galavant (complete series) (September 7)
Goldie & Bear (Season 1) (September 14)
Zootopia (September 20)
The Fosters (Season 4A) (September 28)
Luke Cage (September 30)

Delightfully Rustic Mickey HOME Wooden Sign for the Fall

By

Danielle

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August 30, 2016

As autumn approaches, I start thinking of cozier and more seasonal ways to bring a little Disney to my home. This Mickey HOME Wooden Sign has the perfect touch of rustic glamour to welcome autumn to this Disney house.

This Disney H°O°ME sign is made using real, quality wood. Each piece is hand decorated combining pyrography (wood burning) for the entire design. WoobiesCorner uses very thick and sturdy pieces of wood, and keeps the beautiful swirls and natural knots for unique looks. Two coats of high quality finish are used to seal the sign, to make your decor last a lifetime. You can even get a variety of border colors! A border with a pop of color can help pull together all the decor in a room perfectly.

If you’ve been looking for a charming and cozy way to bring Disney home, this is a great choice. Our fans even get a special discount! Use code: Chip10 at checkout to save 10%!

Check out this and some of her other beautiful designs below:

Which room would you display this Mickey HOME Wooden Sign? How do you bring a little bit of Disney love into your home?

Choo Choo Soul Performing at SeaWorld Orlando September 10 and 11

By

Danielle

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August 30, 2016

Children’s musical sensation Choo Choo Soul will perform live concerts at SeaWorld Orlando on September 10 and 11. You can join the kid’s sensation Genevieve and DC, as they perform soulful and imaginative renditions of the ABC’s and 1-2-3’s children and adults can enjoy together.

Concerts are included with park admission and take place inside the Nautilus Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. You can also enjoy your weekend at the park with exclusive games for children and additional animal interactions in the SEA Garden, plus special dining and reserved seating packages available at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Brunch with Choo Choo Soul (September 10 and 11 at 10 a.m.) – Enjoy a delicious brunch and mingle with Genevieve and DC from Choo Choo Soul. It’s a VIP experience not to be missed and sure to delight kids and parents alike. Brunch offers a delicious menu filled with all your breakfast favorites, while Choo Choo Soul stops by for meet-and-greets, photos and imaginative fun. Children under 3 are free but require a reservation. Park admission is required, but not included. Pricing begins at $29 per person and Pass Members receive a 10% discount.
Reserved Choo Choo Soul Seating Packages – Reserve prime seating at SeaWorld Orlando’s Nautilus Theater in advance for only $10 per person. Available for all show times, park admission is required, but not included.

For a limited time kids play free at SeaWorld Orlando! You can get one free child admission (ages 3 – 9) with each full paid adult admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Offer ends September 30, 2016 and ticket must be used by October 16, 2016. Admission offer is only available online at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Customized Cakes No Longer Available at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2016

Magic Kingdom

Heading to the parks over the next few months? Then you may want to commemorate that special birthday or family celebration with a fancy fondant cake at Magic Kingdom as they soon may be a thing of the past. Disney announced that they will officially stop offering cake customization at Magic Kingdom restaurants starting December 15. A message on the Cake Ordering Hotline (407-827-2253) currently states that as of mid-December cake orders will no longer be available for Magic Kingdom restaurants. The announcement also states that alternative options may be available in the future but there is currently no further information on what that might be.

At the moment, Magic Kingdom seems to be the only park effected by this change. Quick calls to the Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom hotlines suggested that no official announcement has been made as to whether or not they are suspending services as well. So at the moment it looks like cakes can still be delivered to the other theme parks as well as Walt Disney World resorts. However, it does make us wonder whether changes to the whole cake ordering operation are afoot. Readers, are encouraged to check back for further information.

Guests visiting Magic Kingdom, after December 15, that want a cake to accompany their meal can still opt for the Celebrate the Day cakes but personalized options will not be available and the products are just standard vanilla or chocolate round cakes.

For those unfamiliar with the cake ordering process, Guests looking for a special way to commemorate a birthday or special occasion can contact the Cake Ordering Hotline 6o days – 72 hours in advance and work with staff to come up with your edible work of art. Guest can pick flavor, theme, budget, size and an array of other customized options. These can be delivered to theme parks and resorts. Disney’s customized cakes are a real thing of beauty and are filled with lovely little pixie-dust infused touches making them an unforgettable memory.

Visitors to Disney World also have the option of ordering cakes from Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs or through Disney Floral and Gifts. Check out this article at Disney Addicts for further details.

Hopefully this Magic Kingdom move doesn’t mark the loss of a service that many Disney guests have come to love.

Planning your trip to Disney? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE Quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you wtih everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Celebrate The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Before its Final Check Out on January 2, 2017.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2016

Guests of Disney California Adventure Park are invited to celebrate the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror before its final check out on January 2, 2017. The salute to this iconic attraction kicks off during Halloween time at the Disneyland Resort, from September 9 – October 31, 2016.

Each night, beginning after twilight, Disney California Adventure Park Guests will be treated to “Late Check-Out” as they experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as they never have before … in complete darkness!

In addition to “Late Check-Out,” guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items throughout the celebration. They’ll also get the chance to picture themselves “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town.

And, each day during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will host special performances by Buena Vista Street’s own Silver Lake Sisters.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo: Disney

Newly Envisioned Menu Added to Disney Boardwalk’s Flying Fish

By

Lisette R

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August 30, 2016

The Flying Fish restaurant has re-opened with a newly envisioned menu. The restaurant, located on the Boardwalk at the Walt Disney World Resort, has recently undergone a lengthy refurbishment. The new menu features sustainable fish at the center of its theme with Chef Timothy Majoras at the helm of the open-air kitchen.

As you enter the restaurant, you will notice the clear glass bubble chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The chandelier is the focal point of the entrance. Made from blown glass, this beautiful fixture is representative of being under the sea. The bubble chandelier is a smaller version of the Flying Fish and Bubbles chandelier suspended from the central point in the main dining area.

The Flying Fish Restaurant menu will challenge the palette. Appetizers such as Corn Encrusted Wild Gulf Shrimp and A Tour of the Coast are sure to please. Soups and salads include such options as the Blue Crab Bisque and Mesculin Salad. The entrees focus on sustainable fish such as Ocean’s Bounty Sustainable Fish, Maine Lobster Nero Pasta, and Wood-Fired Spanish Octopus, Chilean Sea Bass and Rock Shrimp.

The alcoholic drinks menu features specialty cocktails along with wine and beer selections. Available upon request is a wine list featuring selections from around the world. The specialty cocktails are grouped by categories based on your preferred flavor palette. You can choose from Bitter, Tart, Savory, or Sweet.

Flying Fish has removed the word “Cafe” from its name. The overall theme of this Signature Restaurant has created a more sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of the golden era of oceanside boardwalk dining. Please note there is a basic dress code to enjoy a meal at this restaurant. Men can wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shirts with a collared shirt. Women may wear capri pants, dress shorts, skirts, or dresses.

The Flying Fish menu has a variety of flavor options. Whether you want to stop in for appetizers and a specialty cocktail, or you wish to enjoy a full meal, the Flying Fish offers something for even the most eclectic taste palette. Dining reservations are strongly recommended. Flying Fish is accepted on the Disney Dining Plan and will deduct 2 Table Service Credits from your meal plan balance.

What do you think of the new Flying Fish menu? Please leave your comments in the box below.

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” at Magic Kingdom Debuts a New Fall Finale This Week

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2016

The live show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fair” at Magic Kingdom will soon include an enhanced grand finale that celebrates the fall season. Beginning September 2nd, the finale scene will feature new costumes, decor and choreography along with an original new song celebrating autumn. The song comes from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn, who also composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.”

Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. In addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters including Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen;” Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and the gang from the Snuggly Duckling in “Tangled;” and Tiana, Naveen and Louis from “The Princess and the Frog.”

Also starting this weekend is the special fall edition of the popular Main Street Trolley Show, greeting everyone along the avenue with a joyous song all about “the magic that can happen when it’s autumn.” The special ticketed event “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” will also be held on select nights beginning September 2nd. So be sure to head on out to Magic Kingdom Park this fall and take in all the wonderful sights and sounds of the season!

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog